Spinning on the IPOD - Thievery Corporation: Outernational Sound
I think the relationship with God is more pure and authentic when I do my spiritual discipline out of a desire to know Him better and build a closer relationship with Him. I have found myself over the years being trapped by doing spiritual disciplines because of responsibility to perform or teach or “minister” or lead. My prayers become “Lord, I need something for the performance” rather that “Lord, I just want to know you more and fall in love with you in a deeper way”. When this happens, The spiritual life seems dry. It is the wrong approach… It is the wrong motivation. It is like I turn my HOLY father into so cosmic bubble gum machine and all I have to do is deposit my token prayer, twist the handle and get a treat.
I musician friend, who is now living with Jesus, once pulled me aside and told me that the greatest lesson he had ever learned was that we have to minister out of overflow. Whether leading praise and worship or teaching a bible study or preaching to 50 or 5000… Real ministry happens as a result of what spills out of our soul/spirit as we spend time with Jesus. He said that people/humanity will drain the minister dry without any regard to his spiritual growth or well being. Perhaps this is what causes ministers, volunteers, missionaries, etc. to flameout or burnout. Too many of us try to minister out of an empty cup.
At time it is extremely difficult. 40+ hours at work, Family, Group Meetings, Music, Studying to teach/lead, Seminary starting, Church, Health… I haven’t even mentioned time with God, prayer, reading, being missional, hanging out with friends or future disciples. It is easy to get too busy and toss God the crumbs.
Father I see the problem… Give me wisdom to correct it…
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
